a few last bits!

What could be better than a final 'pizza night' at BFF with a table full of food surrounded by friends.

The next morning, watch the sun rise, a final walk on the beach, and plunge in the ocean . . 

 

 

Then a fond farewell, and look forward to returning in 2020

 But not without one final reminder of why we visit!

 

Turtle time

A trip here would not be complete without a visit to the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve. Part of the Bahamas National Trust, the Preserve showcases many forms of plant life endemic to Eleuthera or the islands, some of which have decidedly odd names.

 
It also provides a great educational resource for local school children, as well as an important research facility.
But the best bit is simply following the trails . . .

  

and enjoying all of the wild life . . . .

Not forgetting the fresh water pond, and local inhabitants, the Bahamian slider, who crowd, looking for hand outs! According to staff, cat food is their favourite.

Of all the bars, in all the Carribean . . .

There must be millions of bars on millions of beaches around the world, each with their own distinctive character. James Cistern, Eleuthera is no different in that respect, and every Thursday afternoon LeoRose is the place to be. A mix of visitors and local characters provide a backdrop for a truly laid back and cool musical experience with an international mix of artists. All who live here on the island! 
What better place to hang out with friends?

 

Island living

If you're self catering, shopping for supplies sharpens your focus about island living. If the boat doesn't make it for a couple of days, the shelves run bare pretty quickly.

So an expedition for supplies takes a bit of planning, with a number of stops on the way.

Island Farm being one of our favourits. Loads of fresh salads greens, veggies and other goodies, all grown on the spot, or produced locally.

 

Back at Tops, which really is tops, and afternoon shade provided by abundant palms. 

 

work!

Another perfect day - been for our early morning walk around Cuipid's Cay. The mid morning view from our balcony -

 But now time for some serious work - oatmeal date square, to go with morning coffee!

  Tra-laaa! The finished product - ready to munch!

all quiet . . .

Usually a noise of some sort in this neighbourhood, guys in their prized hot rods crusing, rap and reggae blaring, roosters crowing, dogs barking, lads of their unsilenced motorbikes . . . but all quiet in the neighbourhood this evening . . . calm, warm . . . not  peep.

Just the local fishmonger, closing up shop for the night.

 

A rain day

Well, yesterday was as predicted, cloudy, then rain swept the island in bursts. You could see clouds laden with showers scurrying towards us from the horizon, brushing us with fresh water before passing on their way.

Evening brought tropical downpours, dampening the Saturday night spirits of the local community.

And this morning? Clear blue sky, deep blue sea, and a fresh start to the day.  

 So, off to seek the perfect beach. Twin Coves Bay, on the Atlantic side. Kind of tucked away, and indeed we explored a little last year and found it. But a re-visit this year convinces this is the place for a lazy afternoon. 

The search party -

Who confirms the location!

 Deserted, quiet and blissful.

But - an interloper!

Check him out, but he's off elsewhere to hunt dinner. 

We'll be back tomorrow . . .